Miscellanies, Poetry, and Authorship, 1680-1800

This book explores the popularity of poetic miscellanies in the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, arguing that they had a far-reaching impact on authors, publishers, and readers of poetry. It expands the definition of miscellanies to include single-author collections and examines their relationships with periodicals, their contribution to the formation of the literary canon, and their reception and transformation in the hands of readers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 293 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate tapestry of the ancestors of contemporary poetry anthologies, specifically focusing on the poetic miscellanies of the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It presents a compelling argument that miscellanies constitute a unique genre of literary collections, exerting a profound influence on authors, publishers, and readers of poetry during the period spanning 1680 to 1800.

In order to broaden the scope of miscellanies, the study encompasses both single-author collections known as miscellanies and the multiple-author collections that have traditionally been the center of scholarly inquiry. It explores how these diverse collections fostered distinct literary communities and uncovers the overlooked significance of single-author miscellanies in the self-fashioning of eighteenth-century writers.

Subsequent chapters delve into the intricate relationships between miscellanies and periodicals, examining their role in shaping the literary canon and the diverse ways in which readers engaged with them. The book harnesses the power of newly available digital data and a wealth of evidence drawn from hundreds of printed miscellanies to shed fresh light on the writing, publication, and reception of poetry during the long eighteenth century.

Through its meticulous research and insightful analysis, this book offers a rich and multifaceted perspective on the evolution of poetry in the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, contributing to our understanding of the literary landscape and the cultural significance of these miscellanies.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030370688
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021